A new chemosensor that signals Hg(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) at different emission wavelengths: selectivity toward Hg(II) in acetonitrile

A new tripodal fluoroionophore bearing furan and quinoline moieties, 2, senses Hg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in acetonitrile by displaying enhanced fluorescence at distinct wavelengths. Chemosensor 2 also shows selectivity toward Hg2+ and senses Hg2+ even in the presence of acid in the media. When quinoline is replaced with a non-coordinating signaling unit like an anthryl moiety, the fluoroionophore fails to sense Hg2+ selectively.